The modern NFL safety has a full plate. Delivering big hits and making big interceptions are the highlight-reel plays, but it's more about being fast and steady. It requires him to move up and make plays against the run while also being able to get back and cover against the pass. Discipline is a key trait. For the second time in four drafts, the University of Texas boasts a premier prospect at the position.

1. Kenny Vaccaro, Texas (6-0, 214). The Longhorns recently sent a special safety to the NFL (Seattle's Earl Thomas), and Vaccaro is another. He has the combination of size, tackling prowess and coverage ability that teams covet in a well-rounded safety. He can do a little bit of everything needed at the position, and much of it very well. He's a surefire early- to mid-first round pick.

Because Kenny Vaccaro does everything well—and some things very well—he should be drafted by the middle of the first round. (Photo courtesy of the University of Texas)

2. Matt Elam, Florida (5-9 7/8, 208). Elam isn't the biggest safety around, but he packs a wallop, especially coming up and playing the run. There are some questions about his abilities in coverage, but he has the range and quickness to improve in that area. He has a good shot to go late in the late first round.

3. Jonathan Cyprien, Florida International (6-0 1/4, 217). Forget the lack of football powerhouse pedigree. When evaluating Cyprien, scouts see the big-time athleticism that will translate well to the NFL, where he will be a busy playmaker. He is worthy of a first-round pick and could go ahead of Elam or slip into the early second.

4. Eric Reid, LSU (6-1 1/4, 213). At one point, Reid had been battling for the No. 1 spot in this class, and he looks the part with size, athleticism and a leadership background from a top-flight program. There are concerns whether he can turn that into a consistent package that will allow him to succeed in the NFL. His potential makes him a mid-to-late second-rounder.

5. Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse (5-8 7/8, 213). File Thomas under the Elam category—a safety who isn't afraid to play bigger than his frame with an aggressive, physical approach. He’s another good second-round option.

6. D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina (5-10 1/2, 208). The one thing that stands out is his hard hitting. He can smack around runners and lay the wood to receivers. But for him to round into the best NFL player he can be, his tackling and coverage must be more consistent. He could really go anywhere from early second to middle of the third.

7. Phillip Thomas, Fresno State (6-0 1/2, 208). Thomas is ranked this high because of his range and coverage skills as a free safety, including the ability to close well and make big plays on the ball. He looks like a late second-rounder to some and a late third-rounder to others.

8. Bacarri Rambo, Georgia (6-0 1/2, 211). Rambo is a go-for-gusto safety. His instincts and athleticism sometimes lead to the right plays on the ball, but he also is known for taking too many changes in coverage and getting out of position on would-be tackles. His size and production should move him off the board in Round 3 or 4.

9. Shawn Williams, Georgia (5-11 7/8, 213). Williams presents quite a contrast to his former Bulldogs teammate Rambo. There's nothing super athletic about Williams’ game, especially in coverage, but he makes up for it with quickness, football smarts, discipline and a good sense of positioning. His savvy is best seen in run support. He's a rising player who may shoot up from the late third.

10. Josh Evans, Florida (6-1, 207). While former Gators teammate Elam is smaller and feistier, Evans is more the Florida type—a smooth SEC athlete who can get around the field in a hurry. His dynamic potential should entice a team to select him around the fourth round.

11. Robert Lester, Alabama (6-1 1/4, 220). Lester was a productive player against the run and pass for the Crimson Tide, but there are concerns about whether he's the type of athlete who can handle a bigger coverage load against faster players. He looks like a fifth-rounder.

12. J.J. Wilcox, Georgia Southern (6-0, 213). Wilcox is an intriguing small-school sleeper based on his versatility and footwork. With the right coaching, he could find his way into an NFL lineup in a year or two. In the meantime, his athleticism can be an asset on special teams. Consider Wilcox a fifth-rounder.

13. Rontez Miles, California (Pa.) (5-11 5/8, 203). Going to an even smaller school, Miles has gotten some attention with his all-around potential. He's right there in Round 5 steal territory with Wilcox.

14. T.J. McDonald, USC (6-2 1/2, 219). McDonald has several pluses: size, program power and good genes—his father was former USC and six-time NFL Pro Bowl safety Tim McDonald. T.J., however, struggled with production as a senior, and there are real concerns about his coverage ability. He's a fifth-round pick at best, probably a sixth.

15. Duke Williams, Nevada (6-0, 190). Williams is a free safety type who will be targeted as a backup who might be able to contribute as a nickel or dime back. That makes him right for Round 6.

16. Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma (5-10 3/4, 213). Jefferson gets on the board for his hard hitting. Since the coverage aspect is lacking in his game, he's a sixth-round project.

17. Earl Wolff, North Carolina State (5-11, 209). Wolff's intangibles, including his work ethic and leadership skills, should make him an appealing late third-day pick.

18. Zeke Motta, Notre Dame (6-2 1/4, 213). Motta is a big, gritty, aggressive tackler who cleans up in run support but has significant shortcomings in coverage. Look for a team to take a flyer on him between early Round 5 and late Round 6.

19. Cooper Taylor, Richmond (6-5, 228). Taylor has an intriguing combination of great size and above-average speed for the position. For those concerned about his ability to be fluid in coverage with that huge frame, he is a sixth- or seventh-round gamble.

20. Daimion Stafford, Nebraska (6-0, 221). He's an aggressive run-support player who closes well on ballcarriers and is a solid tackler. Because of his lack of coverage skills, he a sixth- or seventh-round prospect.